Local News

Kane County Health Department launches COVID-19 vaccine appointment website

Assistance coming for seniors, family caregivers

Medical Assistant Evelyn Carvajal of Kid Care Medical prepares a vaccination during a clinic at The Salvation Army's Joe K. Anderson Community Center in St. Charles Tuesday. (Sandy Bressner)

By Kane County Chronicle staff report

The Kane County Health Department has launched a webpage for COVID-19 vaccine appointments for those eligible in Phase 1b: seniors age 65 and older and essential workers as designated by the state of Illinois. The vaccine locations page can be accessed through the department’s website at KaneHealth.com.

“The supply of vaccine is still very limited,” said Kathy Fosser, interim executive director of the health department. “We realize that appointments are difficult to schedule at this time. As the vaccine supply increases, appointment availability will also increase. We appreciate the public’s patience as the vaccination drive progresses.”

According to a news release, seniors age 65 and older, including those with existing health conditions, soon will have help registering for information on the KCHD website and making vaccine appointments. Health department staff is in contact with libraries, senior care providers and municipalities to help seniors and others who need assistance or have limited access to technology.

“We hear from a lot of adult children whose parents live in Kane County, and they say, ‘My parents are never going to figure out how to make an appointment,’ ” Community Health Director Michael Isaacson said. “We are partnering with local organizations so they can go someplace where there’s trusted people who can help them.”

Developmentally disabled Kane County residents and their caregivers will move into the top priority category and start receiving COVID-19 vaccines as soon as next week. The state of Illinois moved caregivers to Phase 1a in new guidance issued last weekend. Isaacson said he is working with VNA Healthcare, the Association for Individual Development and The Arc of Illinois to work out details.

Home visits for individuals who cannot attend a public vaccination clinic, such as homebound seniors and adults with medical conditions, also are being worked on with home care partners.

According to the release, the public should continue to take precautions such as wearing a mask, washing hands and maintaining a distance from others. People also should avoid social gatherings and get tested if they believe they have been exposed to COVID-19.

To sign up for email updates related to COVID-19, visit the KCHD website at KaneHealth.com or call 630-208-3801.

Kane County